Rob Reischel of Packer Plus ranks the Green Bay defensive players by order of importance. A player's overall ability is the greatest factor in the ranking. But, things such as depth at the position weigh heavily as well. For example, if the Packers don't have a quality backup at a position, the starter's value increases. If Green Bay is extremely deep in an area, the starter's worth isn't as great.

1. CLAY MATTHEWS, OLB

Matthews ranks first on this list for a fourth straight year after finishing No. 2 to Charles Woodson in 2010. Matthews plays every down like it's his last, and he's without question Green Bay's most dynamic defensive player. But injuries have become a major issue. After missing four games due to a nagging hamstring in 2012, Matthews broke his thumb twice a year ago and missed the equivalent of seven full games. Matthews also was sidelined during Green Bay's playoff loss to San Francisco and missed the Pro Bowl for the first time in his five-year career. When healthy, Matthews is one of the NFL's most complete defenders. He specializes in hunting quarterbacks, but is also capable of covering tight ends or chasing down runners from the backside. But he needs to be available more in 2014. The success of Dom Capers' defense hinges on it.

2. SAM SHIELDS, CB

Speedy cornerback signed four-year, $39 million contract in March. Now, Packers need Shields to take his game to another level. Shields has grown from an undrafted rookie to a bonafide No. 1 corner. He can run with anyone and has the ability to blanket No. 1 receivers like Detroit's Calvin Johnson. But at times, Shields has lacked consistency and physicality. He'll look to fine tune his overall game this season.

3. MIKE DANIELS, DE

Ranked 14th on this list at the start of 2013, then had a breakthrough season and his stock inside the organization has never been higher. Daniels' 61/2 sacks last season were the sixth-highest total in the NFL among defensive tackles. And his 31 pressures were the most by a Packers defensive lineman. Daniels, who will start at right defensive end and move inside on passing downs, reminds many of Cullen Jenkins on the field. Off the field, he's got some Reggie White in him, speaking his mind when necessary and challenging his defensive teammates to improve.

4. JULIUS PEPPERS, OLB

The Packers have been searching for an adequate running mate for Matthews the past five years. They hope that Peppers will end the hunt. Peppers, who has 1181/2 sacks in his first 12 NFL seasons, will play from a stand-up position for the first time in his career. But Peppers is an athletic marvel, and the Packers believe he can make a smooth transition from defensive end. If so, Green Bay's pass rush will be immensely improved. If not, the Packers' biggest free agent acquisition since Charles Woodson will blow up in their face.

5. TRAMON WILLIAMS, CB

Closed 2013 with a bang, recapturing the magic he played with in 2010. Williams had four interceptions in the final eight games (including playoffs), had two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Williams' eight turnover plays were twice as many as any other defensive player. Williams, 31, becomes a free agent after this season and is hoping for one more long-term contract. The way Williams finished a year ago, that certainly seems possible.

6. MORGAN BURNETT, FS

Signed four-year, $24.75 million deal last July. Burnett then suffered through a rough season in which he didn't have an interception or forced fumble. Burnett's instincts were poor and he hesitated far too often instead of attacking the play. Burnett is an impressive athlete and a strong communicator in back. But if his play doesn't improve dramatically, the Packers will have to decide if he's their long-term answer at this critical position.

7. DATONE JONES, DE

After a disappointing rookie season, the Packers need much more from their 2013 first-round draft choice. But can he deliver? Jones has ideal size and quickness to be a disruptive force at LDE. But the coaching staff gave him just 16 snaps in the final three games a year ago. The jury remains out whether or not he's up to the challenge.

8. MICAH HYDE, SS

One of Green Bay's most versatile defenders, Hyde held off rookie first-round draft choice Ha Ha Clinton-Dix this summer. Hyde, a cornerback last season, looked like a natural safety throughout the summer. Hyde is instinctual, extremely bright and the best tackler in Green Bay's secondary. Back in 1992, Packers defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes moved LeRoy Butler from corner to safety. "And that worked out all right didn't it?" Hyde deadpanned. "I'd take that kind of success any day."

9. A.J. HAWK, ILB

Hawk has led the Packers in tackles five times since arriving in 2006 and been second two other seasons. He's Green Bay's top tackler since the stat was kept starting in 1975. Hawk has also missed just two games in eight years, a remarkable stat on one of football's most injury-prone teams. But Hawk's limited athleticism and speed are major shortcomings. In year nine, Hawk is what he is. A steady, reliable player who will rarely give you a big play.

10. MIKE NEAL, OLB

A free agent last off-season, it was a mild surprise when Neal returned for two years and $8 million. Set career-highs in tackles (61) and sacks (five) last year after successful conversion from DE. Neal was also second on the team with 30 pressures. Has terrific burst and outstanding power as an edge rusher. Will also play some snaps as an interior rusher in nickel and dime situations.

11. LETROY GUION, NT

Guion missed most of the summer with a hamstring injury. But his value skyrocketed when starter B.J. Raji tore his biceps on Aug. 22. Guion, who played six years in Minnesota, was a solid starter there with a relentlessness to his game. The Packers need just that for their revamped defensive line to hold up.

12. BRAD JONES, ILB

Signed three-year, $11.75 million contract in March 2013, then struggled through an injury-plagued season. Jones missed four games with hamstring and ankle injuries and finished with 98 tackles and three sacks. His instincts and athleticism are just so-so. But with so much money tied up in Jones, the Packers will sink or swim with him.

13. HA HA CLINTON-DIX, S

Rookie first-round draft pick flashed all summer and figures to have a role in Green Bay's dime packages. Fundamentally sound and a reliable tackler, Clinton-Dix made all the calls in Alabama's defense last year. His so-so speed (4.58) never seemed to be an issue in training camp because his instincts were impressive. Future looks bright.

14. JOSH BOYD, DE/DT

Made dramatic improvement throughout his 2013 rookie year and had passed Datone Jones by season's end. For now, Boyd will back up at all three defensive line spots.

15. DAVON HOUSE, CB

Rising player who could start in many cities. Because Green Bay's secondary depth is impressive, House is likely to play outside in sub packages. Will be a free agent at the end of the year, meaning he's playing for his future in 2014.

16. CASEY HAYWARD, CB

Green Bay's most instinctive defensive back in 2012, when he led the Packers and all rookies with six interceptions. But Hayward was sidelined most of the 2013 campaign with a hamstring injury, and his current role has yet to be determined. Green Bay's defense, which managed just 11 interceptions last season, could certainly use a bounce back year from Hayward.

17. TIM MASTHAY, P

Set franchise record in 2013 with net average of 39.0. Ranked 21st in the league in net average, 22nd in gross (44.6) and 18th placing punts inside the 20-yard line (34.4%). Green Bay's best punter since Craig Hentrich (1994-'97).

18. JARRETT BUSH, CB

Had another terrific summer, driving offensive teammates nuts on the practice field, then making big plays throughout preseason games. Bush is the leader of Green Bay's special teams unit. But he showed last year that he can still play from scrimmage, making two huge plays against Atlanta's Tony Gonzalez in a late-season win. Consummate pro and sensational leader.

19. JAMARI LATTIMORE, ILB

Top backup inside, could start this week if Brad Jones (quad) can't go. Lattimore started four games last year, shined early, then struggled down the stretch. The former defensive end remains a work in progress inside.

20. MIKE PENNEL, DT

The way Pennel performed throughout the summer, this ranking could prove too low. An undrafted rookie free agent, Pennel was extremely active and never blinked. With the Packers lacking depth up front, he could play a far greater role than anticipated.

21. NICK PERRY, OLB

The former first-round draft pick has plunged down the depth chart due to the arrival of Peppers and Neal's emergence. Perry has been available in just 18 of 35 games during his first two seasons. If Perry's ever going to make his mark, he must first stay on the field.

22. JAYRONE ELLIOTT, OLB

Listed as third-teamer on depth chart. But the undrafted rookie was a training camp star who finished with a team-high five sacks. Snaps will become few and far between — in both practice and games. But Elliott may have done enough in August to warrant a greater role.

23. BRETT GOODE, LS

Steady, consistent pro begins seventh season in Green Bay. Can go anywhere he wants and no one knows who he is — which in the life of a long snapper means he's doing his job extremely well.

24. SAM BARRINGTON, ILB

Rookie season was ruined by a hamstring injury in Week 8. But Barrington has the ability to be a special teams dynamo and could eventually factor in from scrimmage.

25. ANDY MULUMBA, OLB

College DE made transition to OLB last year and wound up playing 348 snaps. Mulumba has ideal size (6-3, 260) for the position, but remains raw.

26. SEAN RICHARDSON, SS

Strong, physical player who split time late in the 2013 season with M.D. Jennings. But with Green Bay's improved talent and depth at safety, his role might be limited to special teams.

27. CARL BRADFORD, ILB

Rookie fourth-round draft pick was slated to be a pass-rushing specialist at OLB. But after doing nothing the first four weeks of camp, the Packers moved him inside out of sheer desperation. Bradford is likely to be a gameday inactive most weeks, then will get another chance to prove himself next summer.

28. DEMETRI GOODSON, CB

Former basketball player at Gonzaga struggled throughout the summer. But he made the team largely because he was a sixth-round draft choice, and he'll use his rookie season just like a redshirt year.